Tom Aspinall, the interim UFC heavyweight champion, is rapidly cementing his place as one of the most exciting and skilled fighters in mixed martial arts. Hailing from Wigan, England, the 31-year-old has taken the MMA world by storm with his electrifying performances, including a jaw-dropping first-round knockout of Sergey Pavlovich. Now, as he stands on the brink of a monumental clash with Jon Jones—widely regarded as the greatest of all time—Aspinall’s rise is not only rewriting the heavyweight narrative but also inspiring fans across the globe with his humility, focus, and determination.
In a recent interview with Piers Morgan, Aspinall shared insights into his journey, from balancing family life with the grueling demands of professional fighting to his mindset as he prepares for one of the biggest fights in UFC history. With a grounded approach to fame and an unwavering commitment to his craft, Aspinall’s story offers a rare glimpse into the life of a champion who is just getting started.
On His Rise to the Top
Piers opened the interview by acknowledging Tom’s rapid ascent in the UFC, asking him:
Piers: “Are you the next big heavyweight star?”
Tom: “I don’t think it’s about being ‘next.’ It’s about being the best right now. People can call me the future, but I’m focused on unifying the belts and proving that I’m the best in the world today.”
Tom emphasized that his goal isn’t just about fame or money but solidifying his status as the undisputed heavyweight champion by facing Jon Jones.
Facing Jon Jones: The Fight Everyone Wants to See
One of the most anticipated matchups in UFC history is Tom Aspinall versus Jon Jones. Piers pressed Tom on this blockbuster potential:
Piers: “Dana White says you and Jon Jones will be the biggest heavyweight fight in UFC history. What do you think?”
Tom: “I agree. Jon’s an incredible fighter, and his legacy speaks for itself. But this isn’t about resumes; it’s about who’s the best right now. I believe that’s me.”
Tom also shared that negotiations with Dana White have already begun, with Dana declaring, “It’s happening.” However, Tom admitted that Jon’s intentions remain unclear, saying, “Jon is unpredictable—even the UFC doesn’t know what he’s doing.”
Does Jon Jones’ Past Make Him a Cheat?
Piers didn’t shy away from controversial topics, asking Tom about Jon Jones’ history with performance-enhancing drugs:
Piers: “He’s failed drug tests. Does that make him a cheat?”
Tom: “Of course it does. If you’re on PEDs and your opponent isn’t, that’s cheating in my book. It’s about a fair fight, and I’ve never taken anything. It’s not how I compete.”
On Fame and Fans
Piers delved into how Tom handles the fame that comes with being a UFC champion, asking whether it affects his ability to enjoy a normal life:
Piers: “As you’ve become more famous and successful, is it harder to go out and enjoy yourself?”
Tom: “Yeah, it is. But I’m not a big ‘going out’ person anyway. I’m more of a family guy. Every now and then, I’ll hit the bars, but it’s not something I do regularly.”
On Family, Fatherhood, and Autism Awareness
Tom opened up about his personal life, sharing insights about his role as a father and advocate for autism awareness:
Piers: “One of your boys has autism. How has that impacted your life?”
Tom: “It’s challenging, but it’s my mission to raise awareness and help families navigate this journey. When I retire, that will be my focus—creating resources for families and improving the diagnosis process.”
The Mindset of a Champion
One of the most fascinating parts of the interview was Tom’s explanation of his approach to fighting:
Piers: “Where does your fighting mentality come from? Do you feel a switch flip when you step into the Octagon?”
Tom: “For me, there’s no switch. It’s a sport. I’m calm, cold, and focused. It’s about techniques and training—either mine works, or his does. Fear fuels me, but I’ve learned to channel it to stay sharp.”
The Infamous Sergey Knockout and Jon Jones’ Legacy
Tom reflected on his career-defining win against Sergey Pavlovich, which solidified his status as a top contender:
Tom: “No one gave me a chance in that fight. Sergey was knocking everyone out in the first round, and I beat him on two weeks’ notice. It was a massive moment for me.”
When asked about the potential fight with Jon Jones:
Piers: “Would beating Jon Jones make you the GOAT?”
Tom: “No, it would make me the best heavyweight right now. That’s all I want.”
A Future in Boxing?
Piers couldn’t resist asking whether Tom would consider stepping into the boxing ring like Francis Ngannou:
Piers: “Would you fight Tyson Fury?”
Tom: “We’re friends, but I’d love the challenge. Boxing is different from MMA, though. Tyson is one of the best, and I’d expect him to win in a boxing match. MMA? That’s my domain.”
Balancing Family and Fighting
Tom shared the sacrifices he’s made for his career:
Tom: “I had three kids by 25. There was a lot of pressure to get a ‘real job,’ but moments like my first $50,000 bonus validated everything. Fighting is how I provide for my family.”
Conclusion
Tom Aspinall’s candid interview with Piers Morgan revealed the mindset, sacrifices, and ambitions of a fighter destined for greatness. With a potential Jon Jones matchup on the horizon and a focus on family and advocacy, Tom is not only one of the most dangerous men on the planet but also one of the most grounded.
Source: [Piers Morgan Uncensored]
